We the Italians July 18, 2016 - 81 | Page 88

th tH # 81 JULY 18 , 2016 # 81 juLY 18 , 2016 read more about #Studying (in) Italy STUDYING (IN) ITALY: How to Study Abroad Inexpensively By John Cabot University Studying abroad doesn’t need to break the bank. If you’re interested in studying abroad but are worried about finances, here are our top tips to save money during your semester or summer session aid. Many students do not abroad. realize that you can tranApply for study abroad sfer your existing financial scholarships. John Cabot aid to cover your semester University offers both me- abroad, and in many cases rit and need-based scho- you can actually receive larships to study abroad additional funds if the cost students each semester, of your program exceeds and there are numerous that of your home univergovernment agencies and sity. Contact your financial private organizations that aid office or email ours at offer additional scholar- [email protected] ship funds. All you need to to learn more. do is research and apply! Meet with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about transferring your existing financial clude hidden fees. Make sure to ask if your bank or credit card charges you foreign ATM fees, foreign transaction fees (which can be up to 5% of your entire purchase), or international banking support. You may be best off opening a new account or applying for a credit card with added perks for travelers, such as airline miles. Budget and track your daily living expenses. Your daily cappuccino and cornetto from your local café may seem cheap, but these daily expenses add up over time. Track your spending during your first Ask your bank about in- few weeks in Rome to deternational banking. Most termine where you can US banks offer some inter- save. national banking options, although some plans in- Get an Italian SIM card over using your current phone company’s international plan. Italian rechargeable (ricaricabile) plans can be as cheap as €5/month, and communicate with your family and friends back home using Skype, Whatsapp, Facetime, or iMessage. Visit one of Rome’s phone company shops (Vodafone, Wind, Tim, or Tre) and choose the best plan for your needs. impress your family and be the first to know when friends upon returning they are offering cheap tihome! ckets, and book your hostel or rent a room using a Take advantage of train website that allows you to and flight promotions and compare prices and ratininexpensive accommo- gs, such as www.booking. dation options for your com, www.airbnb.com, or weekend trips. Italy’s two www.tripadvisor.com. train companies, TrenItalia and Italo, each offer nume- Our financial office is here rous discounts throughout to help you plan your fithe year, and discount air- nances for your semelines such as RyanAir and ster in Rome. Learn more Easyjet offer cheap tickets about how you can make if you buy in advance. Sign studying abroad a reality! Opt for cooking with your up for their email lists to roommates over dining out. While Roman restaurants are certainly tempting, grocery shopping in Rome is often even less expensive than it is in the US. JCU housing comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, which will allow you to save money and hone your cooking skills with your roommates and new friends. Plus, you’ll 88 | WE THE ITALIANS WE THE ITALIANS | 89 www.wetheitalians.com www.wetheitalians.com